The Palace of the Stars

Love, Magic and Mystery #1

by Karina McRoberts

Alternate cover edition for ASIN B01HH2OHZ2
For all editions see here
Welcome to the Palace... a thrilling panoply of time-travel, romance, intrigue, humour, horror, and sizzling adventure!

Michael Harker, rookie ex-cop, has been badly beaten but is determined to re-invent himself. While convalescing with quirky bookshop owner Mari Linden, an earthquake opens a time portal and Mike finds himself over a hundred years in the past. Mike battles with strange shifts in consciousness, sleepwalking, restrictive dress standards, and the strict morals of the time. He befriends JT Gordon, the magnanimous impresario of The Palace of the Stars, a grand musical hall theatre and it is here he meets and falls for a beautiful dancer and stage magician, Mae Belle.
Mae has a strange bond with her on-stage magic partner, the mysterious Chan Li. Her off-stage lover? Mikes doesn’t quite believe Mae’s denials and it’s eating him alive. The question of should he stay or go haunts him. Can he go back? Can he take Mae with him, even if he can convince her he's not a nut case and truly from the future?
Before Mike can sort out this dilemma, Mae begs him to solve a series of gruesome murders. Mike joins with his friends from the Palace to ensnare the murderer but realises too late justice has slipped through his fingers. He must make a choice, a horrific choice, and the end result could be his life, especially if the portal closes. Will Mike choose a life with Mae, no matter the century?

Genres: Historical Fiction

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 29, 2016

About the author

Once-was scientist; now writer, artist, musician, and theatre producer.

I want my books to create joy, to inspire, to entertain. I want to use them to "give back" to people who need something heart-lifting and entertaining. To put as much positive energy into the world as I can.
To add the magic the world needs; it can be very hard to find, so I make that my job.
I also like to help others achieve their creative potential :) Yay!

I have has published six novels in two genres - a time travel adventure/romance series (The Palace of the Stars, The Mine's Eye, and The Light) and an epic fantasy trilogy with a female lead and modern themes (Chelandra, Master of the World, and Juggernaut). And now, my Treasury of Feel-Good Stories series.

My smaller works include an anthology and a short-story (The Haunting of York - A Ghostly Anthology and Lost and Found - A Ghost Story).

I derive inspiration from living in a beautiful forest, while working with my husband to restore the remainder of our environs from degraded farmland to habitat for wildlife. Tahshi, our wonder dog extraordinaire, is a friend to all.

I have intense interests in the evolution of social justice and the expansion of human (and animal) consciousness.

Never at a loss for inspiration, I aim to bring my readers entertainment, enlightenment and, most of all, pure enjoyment!

Find all my books here:
https://www.amazon.com/Karina-McRober...

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

'The Palace of the Stars' by Australian author Karina McRoberts is the first book in a planned trilogy best characterized as historical fiction mixed with character studies. As advertised, the story has elements of "love, magic, and mystery."

*****

Mari Linden is the seventy-something owner of the 'BookNook' bookstore in York, a town in western Australia.



At the behest of Dr. Sakhálin, Mari has agreed to take in Michael Harker, a former policeman who was severely injured and fell into a prolonged coma. Now that Mike has awoken, he's an amnesiac sleepwalker with dark nightmares, and Mari settles him into her home to rest and recuperate.



Mari and Mike's relationship gets off to a rocky start, but they eventually become friends who like one another.

An earthquake in western Australia opens a portal in the 'BookNook' bookstore - a gateway that leads to 1904 York. Through this 'window', Mari and Mike can see snippets of things happening in historical York. Mari can't pass through the portal because of her pacemaker but Mike can....and does.



As Mike is wandering around conservative 1904 York - looking completely out of place in torn jeans, a t-shirt, and thongs (flipflops) - he attracts the attention of an entrepreneur named J.T. Gordon.



Gordon is bemused by Mike, who uses strange expressions like OK, DIY, and TV, and carries things Gordon has never seen, like a library card and a cell phone.

Gordon offers Mike a job in his lavish home/entertainment venue, called 'The Palace of the Stars.'



Productions at The Palace of the Stars feature singers, dancers, magic acts, animal acts, and so on. Before long Mike is like a member of the family among the residents of the Palace, including Gordon and his wife Dierdre;



household staff; Palace performers; children of the residents; etc.



Mike falls in love at first sight with a beautiful dancer/magician named Mae Belle, but she's unavailable, and Mike suffers from jealousy and dejection.



As the characters go about their lives and converse with each other, they reveal details about themselves and Australia. This provides the book's historical elements and character studies.

For example:

⦿ A visit from a pipeline inspector inspires Gordon to relate the story of the construction of the Goldsfield pipeline, which carries water to the dry interior of Australia, especially the gold fields.


Construction of Goldsfield pipeline

The man who designed the pipeline, C.Y. O'Connor shoots himself, for reasons that are unclear.


C.Y. O'Connor

⦿ A discussion of the Australian gold rush includes a discourse on the plight of Chinese immigrants, who are forced to do grunt work and forbidden by law to search for gold.


Chinese Immigrants

⦿ Gordon's wife Dierdre tells a story about the horrific conditions in the gold fields before the pipeline was built, saying: "People were KILLING each other for water. There were so many people; TOO many! There was no sanitation, no food. It was madness. It was Hell." Dierdre goes on to talk about the typhoid, vomiting, blood, excrement, sores, rot, scurvy, and other horrors of the gold fields, endured for the hope of striking it rich.


Australian Gold Rush

⦿ J.T. Gordon tells Mike the story of his life, explaining that he grew up on a farm in Canada;



lived in New York and California, where he made thuggish friends;



and finally made his way to Australia. Gordon's tale is filled with misery, hardship, gangs, and misdeeds, followed by redemption and success.

The mystery part of the story revolves around the unexplained deaths of Chinese travelers, who seem to drop dead on the road for no known reason. To add misery to misfortune, it's impossible to provide the dead Chinese with decent burials because pastors won't allow them in church graveyards. Mike - being a former policeman - makes it his business to investigate the deaths, with the help of other Palace personnel.



As all this is going on in old York, Mari and her two dogs - Tahshi and Leela - are in present day York, waiting for Mike to return.



This is easier said and done because the building that contains the portal hasn't been completed yet in old York, and Mike has to wait for that to happen.

Though this is a fictional story it addresses aspects of Australian history and other non-fiction subjects. In fact, McRoberts even includes a postscript with additional information about topics in the book, including: music; fashions of 1904; O'Connor's pipeline; social welfare in old Australia; Chinese immigrants in colonial Australia; Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes; health care in old Australia; typhoid fever and other illnesses; botulism; coma; camels and horses; tracks to the goldfields; York Road Poison (a deadly plant); and more.


York Road Poison

The story is more a series of vignettes than a tale with a linear plot, but I enjoyed the book, which contains amusement, adventure, danger, and intrigue.... as well as a taste of love and romance.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Karina McRoberts) and the publisher (Rocanadon Press) for a copy of the book.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....

[Nisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Palace of the Stars a fiction about time travel written by using some facts from history, there was some romance but it wasn't the main subject, most likely was a side story. It is an interesting story is about Micheal, ex-cop, who lost his memories and was trying to go on living. But just when he began to cured with his company Mari's help, they found a portal to the past. After that, he decided to go through it. I can't say they thought it through, after decided to go he just jump in and find himself clueless all again. He assumed he will go there and come back immediately after just looking around, well, of course, it wasn't that simple.

This is well-written fiction but wasn't full action. I mostly liked how we read about both Mari and Micheal sides. I really loved the side character Gordon he was a charming gentleman. Without knowing who was Micheal, he helped him. We couldn't learn more of 1904 because Mike was in a well-protected place mostly in the palace of the stars which is Gordon's theater. The end was a short cut for me but I enjoyed the story. With that, I learned about some facts about that time and I liked how Karina McRoberts added more explanations about them at the end.
Thanks to #NetGalley and the BooksGoSocial Publishing Group providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Benedict Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

In for a Literary Treat

Romance, intrigue, memorable characters, time travel — what more should we ask for?
Nevertheless, what really struck me was the lively and quirky dialogue, intelligently written plot and author's unique literary style of storytelling.
Innovative, delightful and definitely worth exploring further.

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Palace of the Stars is a genre-blending Australian novel first published in 2018, the start of a series dubbed either “The Harker Investigates Mysteries” or the “Love, Magic & Mystery” series. I got it as a Read Now from NetGalley - I’m not sure what drew me to it as I’m generally avoiding new-to-me authors just now, I think it was being promoted on the site. I am quite partial to a good time-travel adventure, but unfortunately this one didn’t quite work for me.

Michael Harker, a former policeman from York, West Australia, has recovered from a coma but has ongoing amnesia and, with no surviving relatives, is taken in by eccentric nature-loving bookshop owner Mari Linden. After a rocky start, they become close, and when an earthquake damages the shop, Mike is compelled to help. He uncovers a portal to the past, and discovers a whole new world in York of the early 1900s. Befriended by the gallant theatre owner, JT Gordon, and his mysterious household, Mike finds himself unable to return home, and so embraces his new life despite all it’s discomforts, falling in love with a beautiful performer. Meanwhile back in the present, Mari must safeguard the shop to ensure he can return - but will he want to?

While billed as a mystery, this is only a small part of the plot, so the series description here is a bit misleading as Harker really doesn’t do much investigating and the identification of the killer occurs late and is wrapped up quickly. There are elements of fantasy, recent historical fiction, and romance - I confess if this had featured the original cover art of lovers gazing into each others’ eyes, there’s no way I would’ve requested it. The afterword reveals that many of the places, people and events featured were real, so the historical elements were interesting, especially the medical aspects.

I found the narrative rather disjointed - it felt as if there were sections missing. We never find out what actually happened to Michael or why, then at one point Mari refers to MH370 which felt completely out of place. After arriving in the past, Mike is rescued by JT the following day, but there’s no mention of where he spent the night. There’s also no explanation for his frequent blackouts. The plot progresses in unspecified leaps so it’s unclear how much time he is actually there, then the dramatic end happens suddenly and is over just as quickly. It’s as if the author was working to a word limit so cut chunks out.

I also struggled with the characters: Mike is completely obnoxious in the beginning, such that Mari fears for her safety, then suddenly they’re best friends with little indication of how they got there. I didn’t like him much better even when he time travels, and was unconvinced by the romance which appeared to be based on little more than physical attraction. I liked Mari and JT better, and was hoping to discover some relationship between them. The ending should’ve been sad but it happens so quickly I was unmoved. The fact that I stopped this at 75% with an hour to go do paperwork shows how little the plot engaged me, and I have little motivation to read the sequel.
However, it’s not a terrible book, the writing is fine if you like short sentences, and has mostly positive reviews, so maybe it’s just me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc which allowed me to give an honest review.

[N.N. Heaven]

A wonderfully written supernatural mystery that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. It starts off in an energetic, chaotic fashion that immediately grabs attention. The reader feels for Mari, and wonders what is going on with Michael. I, for one, never expected the portal.



Rare is the author who can engage effectively in duality. Telling the story of Mari in the present and of Mike in the past at the same time. . . brilliant! I was never confused which is the danger of this written approach.



Michael finding himself and love in 1904 was the most incredible part of the book. I loved the intricate details of history and the growing connection with Mae. I was brought to tears with the tragedy in 1904. I was blown away beyond comprehension by the end of the book!



This is one of the best books I have ever read and highly recommend to everyone!



My Rating: 5+ stars



Reviewed by: Mrs. N



This book first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...

[S. Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually begin my reviews by stating what genre the book falls under. To attempt such a thing with this book would, I believe, be doing it a great disservice. It defies classification, thumbs its nose at it actually, and is not quite historical fiction, not quite fantasy, not quite mystery, not quite romance, not quite science fiction, and although very educational, certainly not nonfiction. Or perhaps it has found a way to be all of the above, and more? This is a question far too profound for me to answer.

The story centers around Mike Harker, a one-time private investigator who lost his memory after a coma that resulted from a harsh beating he received. Mari, a somewhat eccentric elderly lady who runs a small-town bookshop, takes him into her home to help him recuperate, and although the relationship starts on rocky ground they soon become friends. When she discovers a time portal in the midst of her bookshop, but cannot enter because of her bad heart, Mike is elected. He is transported to the Victorian town of York, Australia, where he encounters and befriends several of the town's charismatic residents. He also meets beautiful dancer and magician Mae Belle, who he instantly falls in love with. Does she return his feelings? Can he take her back with him? Can he even get back himself? Oh, and did I mention the several murders he attempts to solve along the way?

For such a complex storyline, the author tied it all together very nicely into a wonderfully enthralling work that is sure to captivate. The book is rich with intriguing background information on the flora, fauna, history and residents of the true town of York in Western Australia, but it does not push the information down the reader's throat as so many other authors do; rather it incorporates it into the story in a way that enhances the overall work. Five stars!

[Roslyn Clasby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Palace of the Stars, although a work of fiction, delivers an accurate insight into the York and West Australian Goldfields of yesteryear from a fascinating perspective.

The two main characters, Mari Linden and Michael Harker, have little in common and much to learn about each other. Because of Michael’s inner struggles and little memory of his past, their association is often tenuous.

With its believable characters and elements of intrigue and fantasy, this story is sure to captivate the reader.

[Gail C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book almost defies classification. It begins as a novel might begin, with Mari, a woman who takes in patients needing help at the request of the hospital taking in Michael, a patient who is being discharged. As the first few chapters unfold, some of Michael's information is revealed. He has been in a coma and is suffering from almost total amnesia. How he wound up in a coma is never explained fully, although there are some hints regarding his past.
As Michael slowly improves, he and Mari become closer to developing a friendship. As they move into daily activities, some of their time is spent at the bookstore Mari owns in the small town of York, Australia. Mari is there when an earthquake hits the area, tearing down all the bookshelves in Mari’s store.
Then the science fiction adventure begins. The earthquake reveals a portal which is a window into the past. Mari becomes intrigued and spends hours watching the portal, and shares what she sees with Michael. They then decide he will try to enter the portal and when he does, he finds himself in York 110 years previously. His plan to return through the portal is temporarily thwarted as he discovers the building housing the portal in the past is under construction, so the portal doesn’t exist yet. This leaves Michael stuck in the past until the building is completed.
While in the past, Michael is befriended by the owner of the “Palace of the Stars”, a group of entertainers who have come together over the years. They function as a created family as well as entertainers for the town, guided by their leader Mr. Gordon. Mr. Gordon is a kindly, generous person who is basically the epitome of goodness. Michael joins the family and Mr. Gordon gives him jobs to do as he works to help Michael adjust to living in a vastly different culture; words, dress, facilities, all are vastly different.
There is even a short mystery included as Michael and Mr. Gordon decide to find who or what is killing people who are passing through the town on their way to goldfields nearby. This portion of the book is relatively short and isn’t enough to classify the book as a mystery book in the classic sense.
In addition, there is a romance of sorts in the book, although without the classic triangle that exists in many romance novels. This book is also told from Michael’s point of view, another difference between this book and other, more traditional romance novels.
The book is told in short chapters, some only a couple of pages, others longer. The writing style is a combination of conversation which is very realistic, and lots of descriptions of the surrounding, mostly told in short phrases or sentences, giving it a staccato feel as the book is read.
The main characters are reasonably well developed. There are a large number of characters, and the author has done a good job of creating three dimensional people who are different enough from each that they are easily kept separate. There are multiple short episodes within the book, activities Michael or Mari engage in; meetings they have with others, some reflection of what each of them is feeling. Most of these are contained in a short chapter for each episode, which makes it easy to read the book in short bursts.
The suspension ol disbelief as it concerns time travel, portals, etc. is necessary for the enjoyment of the book. I enjoyed most of it, although at times it felt I was reading in circles and struggling to understand a through plot for the novel other than the experience of time travel itself. At about 60% of the book completed, I had a brief feeling that the book was beginning to drag, but then it picked back up and the end of the book was reasonably satisfying. For anyone who enjoys time travel types of books this will probably be an enjoyable read. If an excerpt is available, I would recommend the reader read that to get a feel for the distinctive style of writing.
I would like to thank BooksGoSocial Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital read copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Sally Gaunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had just returned from York with my husband and had enjoyed the beautiful Concourse ; the high ceilings in the buildings and the lovely old stone work of the museum, the courthousee, the shady verandas when I came across this book. I enjoyed this work of historical fiction involving time travel. A portal to the past is discovered in an old bookshop and a disoriented former detective Michael Harker takes a trip back to York in 1904 to meet the stars of the Palace Theatre and learn first hand about historical events of the day.

[Pamela King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a lover of historical fiction if it is factual and The Palace of the Stars did not disappoint. I found my self constantly going to Google to discover more about the time and place this story is set. (This was before I discovered the author kindly included an impressive historical summary at the back of the book.) In fact, Mcroberts raises some little-known social issues of the time.

I am not a lover of time travel, but this is not full of gadgetry and science – just a mysterious portal that adds to the mystery and romance of the story.

I am also not a reader of romance unless, like Palace of the Stars, it is a part of the storyline, not the focus of the story.

I’ve always loved a mystery, adventure and intrigue and Palace of the Stars delivers these qualities in many respects – dappled with a little humour.

Michael Harker, a former policeman is staying in York, Western Australia with middle aged bookshop owner, Mari, while he convalesces. During an earthquake that shakes the shop a portal is revealed and Mike travels back to 1904.

A key character is the charming theatre owner, JT Gordon who befriends Michael and introduces him to Mae, a beautiful dancer and magician.

Together they must solve the mystery of who is killing travellers to the gold fields before Mike returns to the present. Will Mae be willing to go with him? The ending surprised me but was historically factual.

The characters are very likeable although Michael did annoy me at the beginning, but he still had a way to go with his soul healing.

Palace of the Stars transports the reader effortlessly into the past where we meet an eclectic mix of characters. It is an enjoyable, easy to read escapist story.

[Gigi Sedlmayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a FUN read with lots of depth. It focuses on the importance of love, friendship, purpose, and a second chance. There is, of couldrse, love, magic, and mystery, as the title suggests, but also humor, adventure, and skullduggery.
Interwoven are social issues of post and present, including bullying, race relations, and women's rights.
It's intelligently written with characters that really come to life, and plot twists you'll never guess at.
The magic part is entertaining and interesting, as it explores the possibilities of enhanced human and animal perceptions.
I really got into this book. I felt I was back in time at The Palace of the Stars, a Victorian=era music hall theatre where life is never boring.
This truly is something different, and i highly recommended for a rich and satisfying reading experience.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Palace of the Stars
Author: Karina McRoberts

Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 4/5

Of the 16 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
12 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“This author has tons of imagination and a story to tell. The result is a cleverly plotted romance/thriller. I would also recommend this to anybody who enjoys time travel novels.” Female reader, aged 60
“A little time travelling, a little romance, a little murder mystery! Excellent fun. I did feel the writing style was a bit off here and there, the characters tending to blather on too much. I sort of wanted things to get going. But it was still a compelling story with a strong and memorable ending.” Male reader, aged 39
“In many ways, the cover is not doing the book justice as it suggests it´s just a romance. It´s actually better than that with an interesting plot and a well-described historical setting.” Librarian, aged 49
“This is a good novel. The premise (broken cop going back in time to solve murders) is excellent, and the writing style, although a little slow in parts, is perfect for the genre. If you like a little romance – and adventure, you´ll enjoy this.” Female reader, aged 37

To Sum It Up:
‘A dazzling romantic adventure with a strong cast of memorable characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Jerry Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've read such an excellently written book, in which the author also has complete control over the story arc with a immense cast of characters and multiple points of view. Kudos for that!

[Dwayne Martini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed. I loved the realistic portrayal of relationships and the characters that felt really real

[Chad Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some very likeable characters. I really liked the main characters. The plot is gripping too.

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Palace of the Stars is a historical fiction novel set in the Victorian era. The story is about Michael Harker, an ex-cop with unfinished business. An earthquake transports Mike, one hundred years into the past. He meets Mae, a dancer, and a magician. A certain affection happens between the two, and that is when the story takes an exciting turn with him trying to decide how and whether he should go back.



The story was very character driven, and the author displays a very narrative adventure filled with mystery, horror, romance, and humor. The work covered cultural and social issues going back in time and portraying a more compelling story that took me on an exciting journey.



While the story’s reliance was primarily on the main characters, their connections, however, lacked that bond. This may have impacted the story from being extraordinarily good but made it still enjoyable to read.



This murder mystery is recommended to readers that enjoy time travel, romance and appreciate a touch of paranormal.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Don’t measure your time in minutes - treasure your time in moments’

Australian author Karina McRoberts is a writer, artist, musician, theater producer, and conservationist – a rich tapestry from which to derive novels of magical realism and romance stories. Her writing style is infectiously fascinating, able to make such mysteries as time travel and associated strange romantic affairs not only credible and entertaining, but also an inspiration to strive for living to our creative potential.

Opening her story with an introduction to ex-policeman Michael Harker in the presence of the strange, elderly Mari Linden, sets the tone for this mystery. Harker is the investigator of this new series McRoberts has sculpted and the character proves to be a fascinating man to follow in subsequent books as well. There is an earthquake and Harker is transported 100 years into the past where he encounters JT Gordon of the Palace of Stars music hall, coping with both mental disunion from the time change as well as the unfolding romance with the dancer/stage magician Mae Belle and her plea for him to solve a series of murders.

Written with a jolly sense of humor as well as a lamplight for trespassing into the past, McRoberts makes the novel ring with a fine atmosphere that allows us to suspend disbelief and enjoy the journey. At book’s end she gives information about the music in the story, the fashions of the day, social welfare, the Chinese immigrants in Australia and health care at the time of the story, including a description of diseases and toxins of the time, and much more. Adding information such as this not only enhances the novel but also is fine teaching on the author’s part. This is a terrific diversion from reality and an invitation to explore magic!

[IAmTheHolly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was asked to read this book and received it for free in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  

And I tried.  So hard.  But I just can't get through it.  I'm at 50% and I'm throwing in the towel.  I was told this was a murder mystery - at 50%, nothing has been mentioned about a mystery or murder.

Michael Harker has lost his memory and Mari Linden, a bookstore owner from a small town in western Australia, takes him in to recuperate.  Then there's an earthquake and he ends up in a portal to 1904.  Mari waits on the other side for him to come out while he is visiting with the rich JT Gordon on the other side.  He falls instantly in love with this one girl, keeps having bouts of amnesia, and can't get anyone to believe he's from the future.  And he can't get back.

Fiction is fiction but there is supposed to be some element of believability or it doesn't work.  The plot is so full of holes that I'm having a hard time understanding what the heck is going on most of the time.  And again - where's the mystery?  Where's the murder?  

So while I'll full own up to not finishing this book, I'm 50% in, don't understand what's going on, and not interesting in continuing.  I'll go 1 of 10 overall, 2 of 5 for readability (I just don't feel like I understand what's happening most of the time), and a big ole DNF.  I don't do this much but I'm just sick of dreading reading to try to muddle through a few more pages of this book!  

For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com

[Caroline Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Palace of the Stars is the first in a trilogy of novels by Australian author, Karina McRoberts. Michael Harper, a rookie policeman is badly beaten and due to the severity of his injuries, finds himself out of the force almost before his career has begun. Whilst recuperating at the bookshop of Mari Linden, a time portal opens and Mike finds himself transported back to the Victorian era. There Mike finds employment at The Palace of the Stars, a theatre where he meets and falls in love with dancer and stage Magician, Mae Belle. Mae Belle encourages Mike to investigate a series of gruesome murders but back in the future all is not well, Mari's bookshop is under threat and if the shop is condemned, Mike has no way back.

I loved this book, for me it has everything- time travel (I am STILL looking for a portal, so far without success), murder, magic and romance. I also loved the author's style of writing - it's one of those books that draws you in and as it's the first of three novels reaching the end does not mean saying goodbye.

[Jimmy Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An earthquake , time rift, magician, and murder

The palace of the stars is an interesting adventure that finds Michael, a former cop, recovering from a coma while being taken care of my Mari a quiet bookstore owner. As Michael is recovering an earth quake hits and rips the very fabric of time and Michael is then transported to 1904 and the laws of the time. While Michael is in this time rift, he finds love and murder in need of being solved. This story is well written and the descriptions of Australia in 1904 and in current day are very good and make you feel like you are right the in the story with Michael, searching for the answers. I really enjoyed this journey and the sites and scenes from the past. I found the book hard to put down and would recommend this one to all the time travel , murder mystery , or just an all around quality story with good characters and real emotion. Check it out folks.

[Pattyh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun read. It reminds me alot of Well's Time Machine, but with a fluidity that is current and relevant.
A young policeman, Michael, who has had some bad luck finds himself with a young woman, Mari, in a book store. Mother nature takes over and Michael finds himself whisked away to another time and dimension. He meets some strange characters and is also called upon to use his crime solving skills. But he is torn between the worlds because he has also found love in this strange place, and must decide what he must do with his life. Michael is torn literally to the new and old world - In the real world, Mari is having her own problems and they affect Michael's ability to return. But evil lurks around the corner in this suspensful fantasy novel that will keep you at the edge of your seat till the last page.
I liked this book alot!

[Pegboard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Palace of the Stars: Book One of the Harker Investigates Mysteries is a time-travel novel on a different level. Karina McRoberts takes the unusual issues of Michael’s recent recovery from coma, where he remembers little, and adds them to the magical world Mari finds herself in after an earthquake opens a portal. When he walks through the portal he is instantly in an earlier time, but when? Better question would be, how do I get back?
 
Karina McRoberts is a creative author that takes the reader through a unique trip that keeps the reader guessing what will happen next. The Palace of the Stars in intriguing as Michael works his way through a fog he has been living through and giving him a purpose, where he was aimless before. I found this fantasy humorous and fun to read. I would enjoy more from this author.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was on the lookout for something different and someone that I had not read before. Stumbled on both at this one. This also gives many elements wrapped up behind the cover waiting for you to devour them. Michael also had a plus for him loving to read when they are a ex cop. With time travel and magic this one swallows you up and gives you a taste of their world with their adventures. The romance exists strong in this place too with you watching it happen. Leaves you wondering also though at times if they can survive. Followed to the end now will have to see if I can find the next one.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting concept of time travel. Mari Linden takes in Michael Harker after he has been in a coma from being beaten. She has a bookstore in town but has a house out of town. Never had children but takes to Michael and tries to help him get his memory back. One day in the bookstore Michael goes through a rip in time to 110 years ago, He is there until the building which houses the bookstore is built. The book covers what happens to Mari with Michael gone and what happens to Michael in the past. Michael sees many wondrous things and learns about the Australia of then.

[Rebecca]

Crazy book

This story is a roller coaster from start to finish. First of all the introduction to the story and characters is so well written and enjoyable. Second, most people would agree that this is jam packed with action and adventure as well. What a wild ride. I enjoyed reading and was really satisfied with how it ended. Highly recommended.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little read

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://book-bucket.com/2020/08/31/th...

This is a very interesting book to try and review because I'm not sure what genre to put it under. It has elements of fantasy, history, romance, and murder.

Mari is an ex nurse who now has a bookshop called Book Nook and also does work for the "Red Cross (though this isn't really explained) through which she has taken in a young man, Michael. Mari was without a doubt my favourite character. As a nurse myself I was convinced the author must have been a nurse herself to write her and the hospital scene so convincingly.

Michael is given into Mari's care after waking up from a six month long coma, with no apparent next of kin and amnesia. All that is known about him is that he was a rookie policeman who had been badly beaten. Mari is warned he will be difficult and he certainly proves himself to not be very likeable, to the extent that Mari is a bit afraid of him.

Mari finds a portal in her bookshop which she wants to explore herself, but can't because it causes her pacemaker to play up. So Michael goes through and immediately discovers he can't get back because in the era of 1904 Mari's bookshop had not yet been built.

The rest of the book is divided between Mari's vigil in her bookshop, waiting for Michael to be able to return, and Michael's experiences in 1904 York where he is taken in by the owner of the Palace, an entertainment hall.

I really enjoyed Mari's chapters, possibly because I found her very real and relateable in many ways. I didn't feel as invested in Michael's as he falls in love at first sight with a woman in one of the acts, but I did enjoy his story arc. The pieces of history that were skilfully inserted into the story were very interesting.

[Abby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Time-travel fiction with some historical facts placed throughout – Michael, an ex-cop with no memories stays with Mari who is helping get him on his feet. They find a portal to the past and Michael decides to go through in hopes his memories will come back. But it’s never that simple.
The reader gets POV from both Mari and Michael, although I found the switching voices to be confusing a few times. Throughout the book the dialogue is choppy but the descriptive prose is perfect – I found myself beginning to skip through dialogue because it was distractingly taking me out of the story so much. There also seemed to be a lot of disconnects and holes within the story that made it hard to follow, especially with Mike’s characterization in the beginning to being this horrible mad man with a strained acquaintanceship with Mari and then switching and suddenly they’re good friends and he is very nice and helpful. It was odd and a little too quick to be believable.

Overall, I like the idea of the story - the nods to the past as well as Mari owning a bookshop (the dream!) as well as paranormal, time travel, and a little romance…but I really struggled to deep dive into this book because of the writing and lack of characterization. It has some good reviews so don’t take my word for it, to each their own!

[Bookish Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this was a very interesting book as far as concept that may have failed a little in execution. There is magic, fantasy, and time-travel interspersed with a few real historical facts for that region. The relationship between Michael and Mari was at first very strained because of Michael’s injuries. But eventually I grew to like their unlikely friendship. The book is written from the POVs of both Mari and Michael, and although I like their connection, the transitions between the two viewpoints felt disjointed. The writing overall was confusing and felt like quick thoughts jotted down and didn’t have an easy flow. For this reason it was hard to really connect with any of the (many) characters and even at times the storyline. This is a shame because there are some pretty cool historical tidbits, and you can tell by the author’s notes at the end that she has done a TON of research.
I also feel like maybe this could have just been one book instead of continuing on into a series. There isn’t an abrupt cliffhanger, but it leaves room for the story to drag out even further. Again, it was an interesting book concept with lots of historical facts thrown in, and maybe will work for someone else, just perhaps not me. But I encourage you to give it a try and see if it’s your thing! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Australia, The Palace of the Stars is a time travel slash magic slash romance slash mystery novel by Karina Roberts. This is book one of her The Harker Investigates Mysteries series. The premise is that, through a few convenient circumstances, former police officer Michael Harker is boarding with bookshop owner Mari Linden when an earthquake somehow opens a time portal, sending Michael 100 years into the past and leaving Mari in the present. Mike meets Mae Bell and becomes embroiled in a series of murders, both of which keep him busy there. Having been left in the present, Mari frets with keeping her business afloat and trying to get Mike back to his own time period.

The Palace of the Stars is uniquely enticing to readers of numerous fiction categories, the murder mystery aspect being my favorite. Romance lovers will no doubt treasure the tale of star crossed lovers, Mike and Mae, and fans of the fantasy genre have plenty of that facet to nosh on as well. Historical fiction buffs and adventure junkies can get their literary fixes in The Palace, too.